IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVELS IN SERUM AND CERVICOVAGINAL SECRETIONS OF PATIENTS INFECTED WITH TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS

Background: Trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is one of the most common sexually transmitted parasites in the world, accounting for approximately 170 million infections annually. Although the factor behinds such incidence is still not clear, local and systemic host immune response is involved. Objectives: Accordingly, the present research was planned to determine the level of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) in sera and vaginal washes of women infected with T. vaginalis. Materials and Methods: Fifteen women infected with T. vaginalis (culture confirmed) and 15 healthy females were inspected for total level of IgA, IgG and IgM in their sera and vaginal washes by means of single radial immunodiffusion. Results: The total level of IgA, IgG and IgM in serum and vaginal wash of patients and controls showed no significant difference, with the exception of IgG, which showed a significant increased mean in the sera of patients. Conclusion: Humoral immune response is important in controlling T. vaginalis, with a special reference to IgG.